![]() When did you start your health journey? And what prompted you to want to make a change? I have been on “diets” my whole life. I had always gained back more weight than I lost. I knew that in order for something to work, it was going to have to be a “lifestyle change”, not just another diet. I began to watch as my wife, Kelley, started working out at the gym, and I saw her begin to have more energy. I knew that with my weight at the current level, I either had to make a change or prepare to die! It was honestly that simple. ![]() How has life changed for you since participating in the FITTEST LOSER CHALLENGE? (phsyically, mentally, and/or spiritually) When the FITTEST LOSER CHALLENGE began in October of 2017, I was on the fence as to whether I wanted to do it or not. Once I decide to do something, I try to commit fully to it. I was struggling with the decision and then the day before the challenge was to begin, I received THE phone call that turned it all around. The phone call was from Manny Ramirez. He encouraged me to do the challenge and that was what pushed me enough to start my journey. Since participating in the FITTEST LOSER CHALLENGE that year and also continuing to work out at the gym, my life has changed completely. I have dropped several sizes & my clothes fit now, and I have twice the energy as before. I had a huge self-image problem because of my weight and that has improved as well. When your self-image improves, everything in your life seems to become more positive. I look forward to things now rather than dreading them. What has been the most difficult obstacle(s) to overcome as you pursue your health and fitness goals? The first few times working out were very, very difficult. I struggled mentally & physically. I didn’t know if I had it in me to do this. I was disappointed that it wasn’t like I had thought it would be, like High School was. I was working out on my own at home because I didn’t feel like I could work out at the gym. And then, once again, Manny intervened. When he took his Christmas break, he didn’t ASK me to go to the gym and work out, he informed me that I WAS going to the gym to work out with him. That was really one of the best decisions I have made! In June of 2018, I was really close to achieving my first goal. I had a 4-wheeler accident and then had to have surgery a month later. Multiple times, the doctors told me that were it not for the fact that I had lost so much weight and was in better shape, I might not have survived the accident. I suffered a spinal cord injury that could have easily paralyzed me had I been at my previous weight. God definitely had His hand on me that day! I was not able to work out for 3 months. I continued to eat healthy and track my food using the LOSE IT app. I tried to walk for my exercise but the scale would not move. During those 3 months, I lost the same 3 pounds 12 times! It was definitely a struggle to keep my faith strong during this time, but I am now back to working out, and I have a renewed motivation to achieve my goals. ![]() What healthy habits have helped you to continue your journey? It is a struggle to try to learn the right foods to eat and in what ratios and proportions. The one thing that helped me learn the most about food and how to get the right amount of protein, carbs & fats is the LOSE IT app. I would strongly recommend to anyone who is starting out, to download the app as the very first step and begin to log absolutely everything that you eat as well as your water. Even if you cheat, LOG IT! I would also encourage you to get a FIT BIT or something similar as it works along with the LOSE IT app to track your calorie burn. When the scale doesn’t move it’s easy to get discouraged, but that is when your faith carries you through. Use that time to analyze what you might have been doing wrong and then continue to eat right, exercise and you will achieve your goals. It may be weeks or months later than you thought, but if you keep at it, it will happen. Right now, I work out 5 days a week. One guy told me when I started that if you work out 5 days a week and eat like you should, eventually you’re going to LOOK like you work out 5 days a week and eat like you should. It’s important to set goals for yourself, both long term and intermediate goals as well. The LOSE IT app is a great tool for tracking your goals, your food, exercise, macros, measurements and your weight. The LOSE IT app along with having someone to hold you accountable are the two most important things that have helped me in my journey. What word of encouragement would you share with someone who is hesitant to start or struggling to continue their healthy journey? For anyone who is hesitant to start, I will tell you that the first step into the gym is the hardest step to take. After that initial decision, it’s all good! There’s no judgment on your abilities; it’s just people on the same journey as you, encouraging you to reach your goals. As I began to work out and eat right, I started to see the weight drop off. I had so much to lose, almost another person, but as the pounds began to fall off, I got more and more excited. After a couple of weeks, I couldn’t wait to get to the gym as where I didn’t even want to go before. The group with which you work out, honestly becomes your workout family. They are great accountability partners, always asking where you are if you miss and encouraging you to do your best. It was so much easier for me at the gym than the 2 months that I worked out at home by myself. What is your current goal and plans to achieve it? My goal when I first started was that I wanted to lose 100 pounds in a year. Right now, I have lost 80 pounds even though I was not able to work out for 3 months. That is actually just my first goal. I want to lose 130 pounds total. It may take me several years to get there, but that’s ok. It took me way more than several years to get to the point where I had to change my ways. I am so focused and committed that I know I will achieve this goal! How has your faith contributed to your "success" in reaching your goals?
Just remember, no obstacle is too great, no challenge is too hard that if you maintain your focus & keep your faith in the Lord, you can achieve your goal! Lexie currently leads our 5am fitness group on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays at the Foundations 6:19 gym in Earth, TX. Come join him to learn how to honor God with your body and reach our health and fitness goals!
4 Comments
Kelly Quisenberry
2/27/2018 08:35:40 pm
Lexie this is a great testimony and so encouraging to others, I admire your determination and dedication; blessings as you work to achieve your personal goals and you look awesome!
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Monty Dent
2/27/2018 08:56:17 pm
Amazing story Lexie, you have achieved what very few people even attempt. Way to go !!!
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Camille Lewis
2/27/2018 09:06:36 pm
Lexie, amazing journey and congratulations. You and Kelley are really special people. Keep up your hard work. You look great and you are a great example of what living for Christ can be.
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Paula Vaughan
2/28/2018 01:12:09 pm
Lexie, you have done a great job! It is amazing how it all works together! Way to go!
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YOUR JOURNEYEvery story we share is about more than just losing weight--it's more about gaining confidence in Christ to make healthier choices that last a life-time! Archives
February 2018
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